Concert Waltz No. 2 in F, Op. 51: Full Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

The Second Concert Waltz showcases Glazunov's mastery of orchestral color and rhythmic vitality in a work that demands precision but rewards audiences with immediate melodic appeal. Unlike the more frequently programmed First Concert Waltz, this piece offers conductors a chance to program a sophisticated, less-heard showpiece that sits comfortably in concert series alongside both Romantic and early modern repertoire. The full score allows conductors to build ensemble unity around a single, coherent musical vision.

The Concert Waltz No. 2 sparkles with the kind of graceful momentum that makes audiences lean forward. Its opening establishes an elegant, almost aristocratic tone that evolves into broader, more sumptuous orchestral climaxes, with the harp and upper woodwinds creating an almost impressionistic shimmer around the sturdy waltz framework. The work moves between moments of intimate lyricism and full-orchestra brilliance, never losing sight of its fundamental lightness and joy.

Conductors leading orchestras of intermediate to advanced technical level who want to program Russian late Romantic orchestral literature with strong melodic appeal and manageable rehearsal time. This work suits regional orchestras, university ensembles, and community orchestras with solid string sections and experienced brass and woodwind players. It is also valuable for students of conducting who benefit from studying a cleanly orchestrated, mid-length work without extreme technical demands.

• Balance the melodic line between first violins and woodwinds; the harp provides harmonic shimmer but should not overwhelm the primary voices.
• Conduct the waltz pulse clearly to maintain the dance character throughout, especially during modulations where ensemble tendency is to rush.
• Shape each eight or sixteen bar phrase as a single breath; avoid over-articulating section breaks that would fragment the flowing melodic line.
• Bring out the percussion section during climactic moments, particularly timpani and triangle, which add brilliance without muddying the texture.

Program this as a centerpiece in a concert celebrating Russian Romantic orchestral music, pairing it with other Glazunov works or with Borodin and Rimsky-Korsakov for a cohesive evening. It works equally well as an elegant opener or closer to a mixed concert, offering audiences a substantial but accessible piece that bridges the 19th and 20th centuries. Consider it for a family concert or spring pops program where the melodic directness and orchestral warmth will engage a broad audience.

• Conducting clear, consistent waltz meter while managing harmonic density and orchestral color
• Balancing independent melodic lines across multiple instrumental choirs (strings, woodwinds, brass)
• Shaping long lyrical phrases across changes in orchestration and register
• Ensemble coordination across separated instrumental groups (harp and upper woodwinds as contrast to main ensemble)
• Rehearsal efficiency for Russian Romantic orchestral language and idiom